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Web cameras are really inexpensive these days. With no technical knowledge, you can hook up one or several camerass to your PC and create own surveillance system, much like CCTV (closed curcuit television). But you'll need the right tools first.

Active webcam

Active webcam captures images up to 30 frames per second from any video device including USB and Analog cameras, TV-boards, Camcorders and Network IP cameras. The program broadcasts captured content or from your computer or uploads it to ftp server. Broadcasting can be viewed using any Internet browser; no plug-ins or downloads required. The program performs simultaneous recording and broadcasting from unlimited number of cameras. Your camera / cameras can be used as surveillance system. When the program detects motion in the monitored area, it sounds alarm, e-mails you captured images, starts broadcasting, or records video. live broadcasting as well as recording can be password protected that all video and audio information are scrambled and cannot be viewed without valid password. The program has features to place image overlays and date/time stamp on each video frame, and adjust picture size / quality.

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/activewebcam.htm

blue Iris

blue Iris is professional-grade software utilizing the latest video software technologies, including MPEG and Windows Media webcasting. Watch your home, cars, and valuables. Watch your pets. Watch your kids. Watch your nanny, babysitter, or your friends. Use up to 12 cameras, the $20 kind, or your digital camcorders. Use motion detection, audio detection, or capture continuously. Overlay text and graphics. Use the built-in web server, or post to a website. Receive alerts via loudspeaker, e-mail, instant messaging, or phone. Updates and support included.

Video Security:

* Use motion or audio sensing to trigger recording, or record continuously or periodically.

* Images may be captured as either JPEG images, MPEG movies or Windows Media movies (full version).

* Receive alerts via loudspeaker, email, instant message, voice phone call, or external program/script.

Friendly Interface:

* The initial view shows live views on the left, and a list of clips on the right.

* When you size the window, the main image sizes with you.

* Click on a camera view or clip to open it.

* Click on the image to zoom in or out.

* A status bar at the bottom lets you know what blue Iris is doing, and provides help when you pass the cursor over windows and controls.

Powerful Clip Viewer:

* There are controls for playback and stepping frame by frame. A position slider allows random access to any point in the video.

* Zoom and Pan functionality.

* control the speed of playback (audio as well as video) and the audio volume.

* automatically archive and retire images.

webcam Features:

* Built-in multithreaded web server, supports authentication.

* Post images to a remote web server.

* Broadcast MPEG, a JPEG image stream to a java client applet.

* Perform "true" webcasting using leading-edge Windows Media Technologies such as variable and multiple-bitrate encoding (full version).

* detailed stats.

Free Download: http://www.deprice.com/blueiris.htm

John Deprice owns and operates Deprice.Com. For the latest tools, gadgets and software, visit http://www.deprice.com/utilities.htm

// posted by 99645 @ 7:44 PM 0 comments

If you enjoy water adventure, the state of florida should be your destination. There are many water activities like swimming, sailing, fishing, diving which the area can offer. Since the stress is on sailing, there are many openings where you can access boats on rent, necessary equipment and training and other allied activities. No wonder then that florida is the boaters paradise.

If you are planning a sailing trip to florida, given below is a short check list of things you should take note of so that you can get the maximum out of your vacation to florida.

1. Marinas. While there are many marinas in florida the tampa Bay is perhaps the most popular. These marinas take care of your boat in every possible way, including hauling, bottom cleaning or painting, if you so desire. If you wish to fit some electronic gadgets to enhance convenience, they are equipped to do so. They service your boat engines with warranties, wherever applicable.

2. Boat Ramps. These are parking places for boats. There are many boating ramps in florida which offer personalized services and are open day and night. most of these ramps can sustain any tide condition, so that is one worry off your head. Some of them even offer places for long walks, areas for biking and grounds where you can enjoy a special picnic as well.

3. Artificial Reefs. Boating, swimming and diving are activities which you can do simultaneously. If you like diving, try the artificial reefs in florida and the spectacular marine life which these places offer. Every county in florida has a special fare to offer in terms of beautiful coral and its typical artificial reefs.

4. Waterfront restaurants. These places are must-visits once you are in florida. There are plenty of fabulous restaurants along the docks and waterfront. Quite of them offer fine dining with exquisite cuisine including sea food, beef, ribs, chicken, and other delicious delicacies. Many of these restaurants have well-equipped bars with facilities of indoor and outdoor seating.

florida with its more than 8000 miles of shore and coastline, is boaters paradise in every sense of the word. In fact sailing and water sports are two of Floridas main tourist attractions. Their service is world-class with enjoyment guaranteed. You could make a trip to Florida, just to enjoy its fine sailing. So make your plans, pack your bags and get the life-time experience of sailing in florida.

Brian Kendall is a staff writer at http://www.thesailingzone.com and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including http://www.outdoorsportsenthusiast.com.

// posted by 99645 @ 3:16 PM 0 comments

When the sun is shining and the clouds are at bay, many sports enthusiast will smile with glee. After all, sunny weather promises a good day outdoors for sports. At times, the scorching heat from the radiating sun will only add to the intensity of the game and will boost the stamina of sports lovers. On the other hand, have you ever heard of a game that can be played even when it's raining cats and dogs? Of course not many can name sports that can be played even in a rainstorm.

The majority of sports, especially those carried out outdoors, are largely affected by changes in the weather. The first thing that will feel its impact is the players, who need to be able to adjust accordingly whether it be physically, mentally or emotionally. These are the very factors that would determine the outcome of any game.

Playing golf requires proper training for a golfer to be able to hit a perfect tee while under brooding skies. Weather conditions have a great impact on the levelled surface of the green, as harsh weather can cause havoc to the growth and texture of the grass. this in turn will affect the golfer's performance. this situation is known as "throwing darts", as it usually means that the golf ball and the shots are low, which then results in lower points for the golfer.

It is important to realise that the conditions of the green can affect the game of golfers as well as golf course operation. Thus it is vital to have an alternative strategy when you have to play your golf game in bad weather conditions, especially so since golf is dependant on the weather conditions.

The golf greens are more easily maintained when the weather affords low humidity and dryer soil, the main reason why golfers usually play in autumn or in spring. The favourable blue skies and consistent sunny weather as well as the good growth of turf allow a significant time for all golfers to hold their tees.

The roughs when wet can become a lot heavier which in turn make it more difficult for shots to recover. Water ends up between the ball and the club face because of the fewer spins than a normal spin. It is then more probable to cause unwanted consequences after an off-line shot.

this is the reason why an alternate strategy to playing golf is needed when playing in bad weather. A golfer needs to have the ball elevated off the grass as fast as possible at all times. In these kinds of situations also, footprints and marks of the ball are deeper and the sad part is that scores tend to be lower. When this takes place, a golfer needs extra effort to ensure better scores.

Here are some points to remember whenever a golfer plays in wet weather conditions:

- Make sure you keep the grips and your hands dry during a game. Your caddy can bring a towel for you to dry your hands, and another for drying the grips.

- Try to bring a golf bag cover, as this can help keep the grips dry.

- If you and your equipment are dry, you are bound to play better than when you are in an uncomfortable wet condition.

- Be patient when playing in bad conditions and expect that your scores could be higher. There's no point getting impatient about it, it's going to make your golf game a lot worse.

- Strategize, strategize and strategize. Before entering the game, visualize winning it. this will help mentally prepare you to face any tough situations that you will face on wet and uneven fairways.

When playing in wet condition, golfers need to have the golf balls to land as close to the hole as possible. this will help lessen the amount of rolls of the golf balls on the wet grass. Also remember that golf balls need to be hit harder to prevent breakage and to stop sooner.

Whenever good sunny skies are non-existent and the weather is not at its best, the most expert of golfers can get through the challenge of playing on a drenched grass field. The rule to remember is that when faced with the most hopeless of situations, a golfer has to keep in mind that his competitors are also faced with such challenges. When you are playing golf while you are soaked the time it takes for you to play your game will be longer as the ball is not able to roll smoothly and go very far. However this can be an advantage for the golfers who drive the tee off longer.

When playing golf, or any other sport for that matter, the weather conditions will affect the nature of the game. On the other hand, a prepared and skilful golfer will not have any problem thinking of ways to ward off the bad effects that the weather might have on his game. With sheer determination to play the best that he can, as well as knowledge on how to outsmart the weather, a golfer will make playing golf a breeze even in the most adverse weather conditions.

Juzaily Ramli and his friend tommy Lehmann are golf enthusiasts and proud owners of golf shoes website.

Discover how the right golf clubs can improve your golf game in the worst of situation.

// posted by 99645 @ 11:11 AM 0 comments

Do you feel tense and anxious at work? Do your co-workers and/or boss make you crazy? Is your personal life less than blissful? If so, you've got stress. If you're like most people you've sought refuge from this situation by trying a quick fix or two like calling a friend, walking the dog, or going away for the weekend in an attempt to escape it all. While these strategies may serve as temporary diversions, nothing in your life changes when you return to your routine.

Stress is internal, which explains why it can wreak havoc on your health. It feels awful...it's the sense that you're not in control. The easiest way to mitigate its effect is to take charge of the one and only thing you have the power to control...YOU, and let go of what you can't control. The beauty of this recipe is that by taking control of your life, external or outside things will change in response to your internal changes. Here are 10 steps to destress for your present and future:

1. Heal yourself.

Dr. Bruce McEwen, who wrote The end of Stress As We Know It, suggests that eliminating stress comes right from your grandmother's journal. He says the most effective steps you can take are the simplest: exercise, a healthy diet, regular sleep, moderate to minimal alcohol intake, and no smoking. This, he notes, is the most sophisticated, up to the minute, cutting edge science available!

2. Get organized.

Physical clutter reminds us of things that need to be done and that's stressful. Remove your physical clutter and you'll eradicate your mental clutter, plus you'll feel energized. Please go to http://topten.org/public/AG/AG306.html for a simple organizing solution that will work on any space.

3. Set boundaries.

Boundaries act as a filter to keep you safe from the hurtful behavior of others while allowing in the love, support and nurturing actions we all need. Set your boundaries by: (a) determining what others cannot do to you or in your presence and (b) sharing this information respectfully with anyone who is stepping over one of your boundaries.

4. take time for yourself.

Put together a list of all the things you love to do but haven't regularly made time to do. Put your list in priority order and enter the top five to seven items into your daily calendar. Your list may include things as simple as journaling, reading a great book, taking a bubble bath, yoga, etc. You'll be more successful getting to these activities when you give them a time and place on your calendar.

5. Be positive.

William James, the father of modern psychology said, "The greatest discovery of my generation is that man can alter his life simply by altering his attitude of mind." In other words, what you say and what you tell yourself impact the present and create your future. love yourself and use the power of positive words, pleasing thoughts and affirming beliefs to live the life you want to live.

6. Work in a career you love.

If you're like most people, you spend the majority of your waking hours at work. You'll know you're in the right profession when: you wake up anxious to go to work, you want to do your best daily, and you know your work is important.

7. Surround yourself with a supportive community.

You are who you spend time with. Hang out with people who love and accept you just the way you are, are interested in you (not what you can do for them), lift you up (not wear you down), solve problems quickly, don't gossip or complain, and know how to have fun. Anything is possible with the right support.

8. learn to say, "No."

We've all been influenced by people in our life who tell us we should do this or we ought to do that. As a result, we may end up living a life that others have decided for us versus living the life we want. So, the next time you think of something you ought to do or someone else suggests you should do, take a breath and ask yourself if it's something you want to do. If not, just say, "no" or "no thank you." When you say no to things you don't care to do, you are saying yes to you and this will free up your time and energy for the things you choose to do. Bottom line - you'll be happier.

9. Zap tolerations.

A toleration is something that irritates you and drains your energy because it needs to be done, fixed, removed, or changed. If you're like most people you may be tolerating 100 or more things! Put together a list of all the things that bug you, e.g. a dripping faucet, money concerns, your weight, shopping and running errands, not enough time, computer files out of control, your hair, a room that needs to be painted, etc. When your list is complete, group like items and see if one solution will eliminate multiple tolerations. For example, if you have piles of clothing in each bedroom, dirty windows and dust bunnies on your floor, hiring a housekeeper will zap all three tolerations. Line up a housekeeper, today. Then, commit to spending a chunk of time each week to zap your other tolerations. If you have a toleration that you don't have the skill or know-how to fix, consider calling an expert or seek out a skilled professional to trade services with.

10. Get your needs met.

A "need" is not an option, it is something you must have to function fully. It is differentiated from a "want" in that a want is optional. Unmet needs can drive you to distraction and worse. Determine what needs you have that aren't being met, if any, and then take the appropriate action to get them fulfilled. Example: If you've taken a big hit and are going through a career transition, ask a good friend to call you two or three times a week to check in with you and give you support. Other options include calling your own voice mail and leaving supportive messages or hiring a coach who specializes in career transitions. When you acknowledge and satisfy your needs, you will be free to focus on other areas of your life.

If you want to be happier and more successful, focus on the things you have the power to control.

Pam N. Woods is co-author of a bestselling book, Create the Business Breakthrough You Want: Secrets and Strategies from the World's Greatest Mentors; endorsed by Ken Blanchard and Dr. Stephen Covey. She is a Coach U graduate and President of Smart WorkLife Solutions, a coaching and consulting company devoted to co-creating customized solutions to fit clients business and personal organizing needs. Prior to founding her own firm she had a successful 20+ year career as an insurance executive and Vice President of Human Resources. For more free how-to articles and advice, or to contact Woods, visit http://www.worklifecoach.com. Copyright 2004 - Pam Woods

// posted by 99645 @ 7:59 AM 0 comments